NEW YORK — In a display of raw grit and determination that will be talked about for years to come, Britain's Jack Draper fought through severe illness to secure a dramatic five-set victory in his first-round match at the 2024 US Open. The 22-year-old, seeded 16th, defeated Russian veteran Mikhail Kukushkin 6-1, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in a grueling three-hour and 33-minute battle on Court 10, a match that saw him vomit on the court mid-rally and then stoically clean it up himself.
The incident occurred deep in the fourth set, with Draper trailing two sets to one and locked at 2-2. After a punishing, lung-busting rally, the British number one suddenly bent over and was sick behind the baseline. Without hesitation, and as play continued, he grabbed a towel from his bag, wiped his mouth, and then proceeded to clean the court himself before readying himself for the next point. The act of sportsmanship and sheer willpower drew a massive, supportive roar from the captivated New York crowd.
A Battle of Attrition on a Sweltering Day
Played in intense heat and humidity, the match was always going to be a physical test. Draper started like a house on fire, blitzing through the first set with his powerful left-handed game. However, the wily Kukushkin, a 36-year-old qualifier with a wealth of experience, adjusted his tactics, absorbing Draper's pace and extending rallies to expose the Brit's struggling physical condition. Draper’s energy levels visibly plummeted in the second and third sets, his movement becoming labored and his shot selection erratic.
Speaking to the press after the match, a drained but victorious Draper was candid about his ordeal. "I started feeling not great kind of before the match, and then I think with the humidity and everything, I was struggling," he said. "I was struggling with my energy levels. I probably hydrated too much and then I was throwing up. I was going to change ends and I just felt terrible."
The Turning Point: Grit Over Illness
The vomiting episode, rather than signaling the end, bizarrely became the catalyst for Draper's remarkable comeback. He described a moment of clarity amidst the misery. "After I threw up, I felt so good," he revealed. "I was like, 'Okay, I've got rid of all that stuff in my body'. I don't know if it's adrenaline, but I felt amazing after. I was able to focus on what I needed to do." From that moment on, a rejuvenated Draper began to dominate. His serve found its range, his groundstrokes regained their depth and power, and he broke Kukushkin's resolve along with his serve.
The final set was a masterclass in controlled aggression from Draper. He secured an early break and never looked back, clinching the match with a thunderous forehand winner. The victory was a testament to his mental fortitude, a quality he has been working hard to develop after a career already punctuated by challenging injuries.
The Road Ahead in New York
This gutsy win sets up a second-round clash against another rising star, 18-year-old American wildcard Cooper Williams. For Draper, managing his physical condition will be paramount as the tournament progresses. His performance, while littered with moments of brilliance, also highlighted areas for concern that he will need to address quickly.
Key factors Draper and his team will focus on before his next match include:
- Hydration and Energy Management: Finding the right balance to avoid a repeat of the illness.
- Maintaining First-Set Intensity: Harnessing his explosive power without burning out early.
- Emotional Control: Using the crowd's energy positively without letting the occasion overwhelm him.
- Recovery: Maximizing the short turnaround time to be physically ready for another potentially tough battle.
Despite the obvious physical struggle, there were immense positives to take away. His fighting spirit was undeniable, and his ability to problem-solve and adapt his game when not feeling his best is a mark of a player maturing at the highest level. The victory also continues his strong hard-court form, building on his recent first ATP Tour title win in Stuttgart.
A Statement of Character
Beyond the result, it was Draper's actions that resonated most with fans and pundits. In an era sometimes criticized for a sense of entitlement, his instinct to immediately clean up his own mess was seen as a humble and respectful act. It displayed a level of character that often transcends athletic achievement. Tennis journalist George Bellshaw noted on social media, "Jack Draper vomiting on the court and then cleaning it up himself is the most relatable thing I've seen at a tennis major."
This win is more than just a place in the second round; it is a defining moment in Draper's young career. It proves that he possesses not just the technical weapons, but the deep-rooted heart of a competitor. He concluded, "It's not always going to be pretty. I'm just proud of the way I got through it. To get through that, especially in a first round, it's amazing for me. It gives me a lot of confidence."
As the US Open continues, all eyes will be on Jack Draper. His first-round performance was a brutal, visceral introduction to the trials of a Grand Slam. But by conquering his own body as much as his opponent, he has announced himself not just as a talented player, but as a formidable and courageous athlete ready to leave everything, quite literally, on the court.